If Johnny Depp was trying to break what
might have become a pattern of quiet introverted vulnerable young guys, he
succeeded. His Ed Wood is vulnerable but doesn’t know it; he’s talkative to the
point of babbling and frantically sociable. In this film we see signs of JD in
his manic mode that he hones to perfection in Jack Straw.

Here, I’m sorry to say, he hasn’t quite reached perfection
though some critics regard his performance as outstanding. For me his irrationally
optimistic Ed Wood doesn’t quite ring true. Ed Wood probably really was like
this but the tone of the movie is an affectionate parody rather than a
portrait.

It’s supposed to be funny – isn’t it? – and Ed Wood’s
encounter with the Baptists is funny. It is fun to see the making of Plan 9
from Outer Space which is truly a stupid movie (but not the stupidest I’ve
seen). But generally I just feel sorry for everyone.

You know I love JD. I
am also extremely fond of Tim Burton’s films. But I just can’t get into the
spirit of this one. Maybe next time.